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Vietnamese Seed Loaf

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegan, Breads & Pastry

Vietnamese Seed Loaf

Vietnamese Seed Loaf is a cherished staple in Vietnamese households, known for its simple yet satisfying flavor profile. This loaf is enriched with sesame seeds, lending a nutty aroma and a subtle crunch to each bite. The yeast and flour create a soft, airy texture, while a touch of fine sea salt enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.

Typically enjoyed at home, this loaf is a versatile companion to a variety of dishes, from savory soups to sweet spreads. Its generous use of fat ensures a rich, moist crumb, making it a comforting choice for any meal. Sharing this loaf at the table is a common practice, reflecting the communal spirit of Vietnamese dining.

Ingredients

  • 500 gflour
  • 7 gyeast
  • 300 mlwater
  • 2 tbspsesame seeds
  • 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g of flour, 7 g of yeast, and 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure the yeast and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This will help the loaf rise evenly.
  2. Gradually add 300 ml of water to the dry mixture, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by folding it over itself and pressing down with the heel of your hand, rotating it slightly each time, for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  3. After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This should take approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the room temperature.
  4. Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it by pressing down with your hands. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges into the center and rolling it into a tight cylinder. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of sesame seeds evenly over the surface and gently press them into the dough to adhere.
  5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Place the shaped loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to rest for another 15 minutes while the oven heats, which will help the loaf achieve a better rise during baking.
  6. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust turns a deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This indicates that the loaf is fully baked and the crumb inside has set properly.
  7. Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack allows air to circulate around the loaf, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and helping the crumb to set properly.
  8. Once cooled, slice the Vietnamese Seed Loaf and serve it warm alongside your meal. The loaf's nutty sesame flavor and soft crumb make it a perfect accompaniment for a variety of Vietnamese dishes.
Cover of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Vietnamese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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